Best frame on a cheap (<$500) XC bike?
10-01-08, 10:16 AM
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Best frame on a cheap (<$500) XC bike?
What bike would you guys recommend for someone who wants to get into XC/trailriding in the sub-$500 XC hardtail category? (maybe keep in mind that prices on bikes are also higher up in Canada, unfortunately)
I've been fretting about components, but I realized that as a beginner, I might as well ride whatever I get until it breaks, and take it as an opportunity to upgrade to something better when the time comes. So really what I'm wondering is what bikes have the best frames in the entry-mid category? I'm interested in a reasonable compromise between weight/strength, I guess, since I'm not especially heavy (160 lbs).
I've been fretting about components, but I realized that as a beginner, I might as well ride whatever I get until it breaks, and take it as an opportunity to upgrade to something better when the time comes. So really what I'm wondering is what bikes have the best frames in the entry-mid category? I'm interested in a reasonable compromise between weight/strength, I guess, since I'm not especially heavy (160 lbs).
10-01-08, 11:42 AM
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Oops. Sorry about that. I am, of course, going to test ride plenty (I rode more than a dozen before settling on a Coda Sport for my commuter/road bike), was just wondering if anyone had any particular recommendations beforehand to steer me in the right direction.
10-01-08, 01:41 PM
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use your best eye
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Specialized has some decent entry-level hardtails in your price bracket. Have a dealer nearby?
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10-02-08, 08:59 AM
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Motivation is the key...
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i would recommend a Trek...
i have a 3900 and it's awesome.
the frame is great, Tektro vee-brakes are also good once tuned right..., Shimano Acera rear derailleurs are ok... (althought the shifting gets laggy at times, but a bit of adjusting will do...),80mm travel from sr suntour...
Trek 4300 Disc isn't so bad either...
i have a 3900 and it's awesome.
the frame is great, Tektro vee-brakes are also good once tuned right..., Shimano Acera rear derailleurs are ok... (althought the shifting gets laggy at times, but a bit of adjusting will do...),80mm travel from sr suntour...
Trek 4300 Disc isn't so bad either...
10-02-08, 01:01 PM
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At $500, look at some used bikes. You can probably pick up a decent bike for $3-400 that you can learn on. You will see a lot of bikes go up for sale as winter approaches.
10-03-08, 06:56 AM
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tilt head to right
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Just picked up a new Trek 4300 Disc for $500. Great frame and OK components.
10-03-08, 10:39 PM
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Motivation is the key...
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YES!!
haha
i think 4300 would be ok for upgrading till you're ready for a new one... =D
haha
i think 4300 would be ok for upgrading till you're ready for a new one... =D
10-05-08, 09:35 PM
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Recent aluminum hardtails from Giant have been indestructible. Their Boulder is well in your price range and has plenty of upgrade potential while still having a frame worthy of it.
